Copper Mountain Technologies has developed a software plug-in that can be used to accurately measure hard-to-access devices, such as SMD-sized components mounted on a fixture by de-embedding the fixture effects. The Automatic Fixture Removal (AFR) VNA software plug-in enables the measurement of a wide range of components through comprehensive methods tailored to specific fixture properties.
The AFR software moves the calibration plane towards hard-to-access DUTs and guides the de-embedding process using either time-gating, filtering, or bisect methods on a 2-port 2xThru or 1xReflect fixture. These methods provide the user with better measurement accuracy and reliability based on the components being tested. The AFR software plug-in is easy to use and is compatible with all CMT 2- and 4-port Cobalt series VNAs up to 20 GHz and Compact series two-port, two-path VNAs up to 44 GHz.
The Automatic Fixture Removal (AFR) plug-in uses metrology-grade de-embedding algorithms to eliminate fixture effects on your DUT. The AFR plug-in is available for use with Copper Mountain Technologies’ 2- and 4-port VNAs. CMT offers 2xThrough and 1xReflect fixture removal support with three methods that fit different fixture configurations:
- Time-gating approach is ideal for fixtures with long electrical lengths of leading transmission lines or for higher frequency options.
- Filtering algorithm is useful in cases where signals in both parts of the fixture significantly overlap in the time domain.
- Bisect method covers instances with short electrical lengths of the fixture leading transmission lines and inadequate time domain resolution.
Click here to learn more about the Automatic Fixture Removal (AFR) plug-in.
